Midwest Media Expo, a fan convention near Detroit, announced last night that their 2017 event has been cancelled. The convention was scheduled to start on Friday.

The announcement posted to their web site and social media was as follows:

Morgan Kollin Said:

We are coming to you with a very heavy heart to inform you that, due to circumstances beyond our control, the 2017 Midwest Media Expo has been cancelled. For the past year we have been working hard to bring you a very special event, and it pains us greatly to have to make such an announcement, especially this close to our event date. We understand how much this event meant to everyone, and we apologize for this happening so suddenly. At this time, we are making arrangements to assist those displaced by this turn of events and those affected should expect we will be sending off notifications immediately to go over available alternatives.

We will be making further statements as we are able to discuss things, but know that we are working with good people to help us in this dark hour. Thank you very much for your understanding.

Morgan Kollin
Chairman of the Midwest Media Expo

According to responses on the convention's Facebook group, the prevailing rumor is that the cancellation is a result of the hotel asking for additional money. It's not unusual for a first-year convention to be caught off guard by a venue's payment schedule, but this isn't the first event for Midwest Media Expo. Youmacon is run by the same group and has been around for over a decade, so there should be plenty of staff members experienced in working with facilities and venue contracts. This would have been the second Midwest Media Expo held at this venue.

The convention has responded to Facebook comments indicating that they plan to offer pre-registered attendees a full refund on the cost of their badges.